Chapter 7 - The Unwritten ClauseThe months that followed were the happiest of my life.
Our fake marriage had completely dissolved into a real, passionate partnership. I moved out of the guest bedroom and into Sophia’s room across the hall. The grand, empty estate became filled with warmth, music, and constant activity.
Emma and Eva were inseparable, dressing in matching clothes, sharing secrets, and calling each other sisters.
At Bole Industrial, my technical operational plan was implemented across all facilities, saving the company millions in equipment downtime while improving worker safety standards—proving to the board of directors that my inclusion in the company was based on merit, not favoritism.
However, as our one-year contract anniversary approached, an unspoken anxiety began to creep into our lives.
The original agreement stated that after three hundred and sixty-five days, the legal marriage would dissolve quietly to avoid long-term financial entanglements.
One rainy Friday night, while Sophia was reviewing quarterly financial reports in bed, I sat beside her, looking at the calendar on my phone.
“It’s been three hundred and forty days,” I said quietly.
Sophia’s pen paused over her paperwork. She set the folder down on her lap, her face going still.
“I know,” she whispered.
I looked at her, my heart beating heavily in my chest. “The legal documents state we begin the dissolution filing next week.”
Sophia turned her head, looking at me with dark, intense eyes. “Is that what you want, Liam? To dissolve the contract?”
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“I don't care about the contract, Sophia,” I said firmly, taking her hands in mine. “I care about you. I care about this family. I don't want a one-year agreement. I want a lifetime.”
Sophia smiled, a brilliant, breathtaking expression that lit up her entire face. She pulled me down into a deep, tender kiss, whispering against my lips, “Then let’s tear up the contract.”
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